Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2. It ranks #10 of 71 center channel speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $1,998 and is still sold new; the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon ranks #13 (rated 4.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2: The revised Sierra Horizon center with a custom RAAL true ribbon tweeter, an underhung mineral-filled polypropylene midrange and two long-throw woofers on cast aluminum frames, in a laminated bamboo cabinet. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured centers; the rating is estimated from its predecessor’s measurements.
What the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon does well: Ascend’s original Horizon center uses the same drivers and internal volume as its Sierra Tower, with a RAAL ribbon tweeter in a laminated bamboo cabinet. The catch: The ribbon’s horizontal coverage in this measurement is narrow (about ±20 degrees), and the listening window spans 3.1dB from 300Hz to 5kHz.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2 | Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,998 each | $1,490 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #10 of 71 in Center Channel Speakers | #13 of 71 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | RAAL true ribbon tweeter, mineral-filled polypropylene midrange, 2x mineral-filled polypropylene woofers | RAAL ribbon tweeter, midrange and woofers shared with the Sierra Tower |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-27kHz ±3dB anechoic, -6dB at 48Hz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 88dB anechoic, 91dB in-room (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 23”W x 12.5”D (279 x 584 x 318 mm) | 11”H x 23”W x 12.5”D (279 x 584 x 318 mm) |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 63.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | about 36.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.44 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2 compares with other leading options:
- Micca MB42X-C G2 vs Micca MB42X-C
- KEF Q3 Meta vs MoFi SourcePoint 8
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs AsciLab F6Bs
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Passive
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Mission LX-3 MKII
Prices on this page were last checked October 5, 2026 at 10:21 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2: $1,998 each Estimated Ascend Acoustics eBay
Older model: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: The revised Sierra Horizon center with a custom RAAL true ribbon tweeter, an underhung mineral-filled polypropylene midrange and two long-throw woofers on cast aluminum frames, in a laminated bamboo cabinet. Ascend rates it from Klippel near-field measurements at 60Hz to 27kHz (±3dB) anechoic and 48Hz at -6dB, with 88dB anechoic sensitivity.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured centers; the rating is estimated from its predecessor’s measurements. Ascend publishes Klippel-based specifications but not the full Spinorama data. It is sold only direct from Ascend.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 11”H x 23”W x 12.5”D (279 x 584 x 318 mm) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | RAAL true ribbon tweeter, mineral-filled polypropylene midrange, 2x mineral-filled polypropylene woofers |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-27kHz ±3dB anechoic, -6dB at 48Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 88dB anechoic, 91dB in-room (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon: $1,490 each Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5.
Pros: Ascend’s original Horizon center uses the same drivers and internal volume as its Sierra Tower, with a RAAL ribbon tweeter in a laminated bamboo cabinet. Audio Science Review measured very low on-axis deviation (0.20), consistent directivity (2.69dB directivity index deviation) and deep bass for a center, 63.0Hz (-3dB) and about 37Hz (-10dB), for a preference score of 5.24 that reaches 7.44 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 63.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The ribbon’s horizontal coverage in this measurement is narrow (about ±20 degrees), and the listening window spans 3.1dB from 300Hz to 5kHz. Ascend now sells the revised Sierra Horizon V2. Discontinued.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 36.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 23”W x 12.5”D (279 x 584 x 318 mm) |
| Drivers | RAAL ribbon tweeter, midrange and woofers shared with the Sierra Tower |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.44 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples